By BRAD McGRATH
DANDENONG Stingrays star Jason Pongracic made his claim for a Vic Country call-up with a best-on-ground performance for the TAC Cup team in their 23-point win over Northern Knights at Shepley Oval on Saturday.
Pongracic was eased back into action in the forward line last week in the Stingrays’ easy win over Bendigo Pioneers, but the tough on-baller was released into his customary midfield role in a bid to take part in Country’s next game against Vic Metro on Friday.
The Stingrays booted 5.0 to 3.3 in the opening term against Northern Knights and the clash turned into an arm-wrestle in the second term.
Stingrays coach Graham Yeats said Pongracic was ready to take part in the under-18 national championships.
“His first quarter was really exciting, his energy, toughness and class just came to the fore,” he said.
“His first quarter was instrumental in us getting the momentum. He probably plateaued a bit after that but it was just his second game back for the year and we’re managing his workload, his fitness and his own personal development.
“He’s still got a way to go but he’s shown some promising signs that he’ll be firing on all cylinders in six to eight weeks at the business end of the season.”
The Knights came out firing after the long change with Anthony Bonaddio and Josh Turner both strong contributors.
The Knights, who have won just one game, kicked the first goal of the final term to extend their lead to eight points.
But the Stingrays finished the game strongly after Yeats implored his players to dig deep, and they didn’t disappoint, kicking six goals to three in the climactic term.
“We would probably call it a solid win at best,” he said. “They’ve only won the one game but they’ve been pretty competitive and they played some decent footy against us.”
Yeats paid tribute to Matt Rennie after he backed up from his school game at Hallam College on Wednesday to play an key role for the Stingrays.
“He was desperate to play and called us on Friday and said he felt like a million dollars.”
Troy Jacobson, Tim McGennis and Jake Calvert were also excellent for the Stingrays.
Dandenong Stingrays clash with Western Jets at Burbank Oval on Saturday.
